Seattle Public Schools, teachers union reach tentative deal to get grades 6-12 back in classroom

Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association on Thursday announced that a tentative agreement was reached in providing in-person learning for grades 6-12, meeting the governor’s COVID-19 guidelines.

In a release from the district, it said in-person and online learners in grades 6-12 in Special Education Intensive Service Pathways will start on April 5.

Beginning April 19, all other secondary students will begin in-person learning.

“SEA remained focused on ensuring every student had options that met their individual physical, social and emotional needs,” said Uti Hawkins, vice president of the Seattle Education Association. “It is critical we support learning with options as our school communities navigate this pandemic. We are committed to ensuring equitable systems of support for those students that stay remote and those students who opt for in-person instruction.”

According to the release, the tentative agreement will keep students with their current teachers, providing four full days of instruction.

In the morning, students will be provided online instruction; and in the afternoons, students will be provided both online and in-person learning.

The district stated:

Students that select the in-person instructional model will attend class two half-days per week. Students enrolled in an intensive service pathway will receive four half-days of in-person instruction. K-8 schools will determine whether secondary students receive in-person instruction in the morning or afternoon. Wednesdays will continue to be remote for all students. More information will be distributed to families by email and on the SPS website.

The tentative agreement is contingent on both the approval of SEA members and the school board.